Speech Development Blog

What is Receptive Language Disorder?

Receptive Language Disorder is also known as mixed Receptive Language Disorder. This is primarily a learning disability that affects either the expression or understanding of language or both. This disorder affects nearly 3-5% of all children. Children with Receptive Language Disorder may find difficulty in following directions, following a schedule and/or handling transistions from one activity to another. As they get older, they may need directions to be written down on paper. Children may also have difficulties in social settings, since they have trouble expressing themselves normally and have trouble processing what is being said. It is important to understand that a diagnosis of Receptive Language Disorder does not relate to your child’s intelligence. In fact, children that are diagnosed with Receptive Language Disorder have an above average IQ compared to others.

Symptoms of Receptive Language Disorder:

Difficulty in organizing their thoughts

Problems following directions which are told to them aloud

Difficulty understanding what others are telling them

Lack of interest when story books are read aloud to them

Language skills below what's expected of their age level

Parroting phrases or words (echolalia)

Unable to understand complicated sentences

Unable to follow verbal instructions

Due to their language problem, children with Receptive Language Disorder can have problems in social settings. It can also play a major role in severe behavioral problems. Help from a Speech Language Pathologist for complete diagnosis and speech language therapy can dramatically help your child with this disorder. Check back for some exercises to help with Receptive Language Disorder! Also check out Speech Tails for a free assessment to see if your child might benefit from our easy, convenient, home-based, speech therapy program!